When we walk into a bookstore, the first place we go is the staff recommendation shelves—it’s how you get a quick sense of the personality of the store. The very best bookstores are merely a reflection of the eclectic, deeply felt opinions of the book-lovers who work there. As part of our Interview with a Bookstore, we asked the staff at Riverbend Books what to read.

SLIDESHOW: Riverbend Books Staff Shelf

SUZY (OWNER) RECOMMENDS: I read this before it came out in May, and it still stands as my favourite book of the year. Kate creates an epic and intimate portrait of a life that explores family, feminism and Australian identity. Lovely and immensely readable.

MYLES (MEDIA MANAGER) RECCOMENDS: This unusual novella is a stellar example of the challenging and unique work coming out of our local literary scene. Following St Brendan, a Sixth Century Monk, as he searches for Paradise on earth, it is a strangely beautiful fable that elegantly traverses time and space.

VICKY (EVENTS MANAGER) RECOMMENDS: Whenever customers ask for something “upbeat,” most of us are usually stuck, but this has to be one of the funniest, cleverest books I’ve read. Imagine a raunchy, modern Jane Austen novel, or being invited to party where everyone is smarter and sexier than you, but still really fun to hang out with.

JULIE (BOOKCLUB COORDINATOR) RECOMMENDS: Charlotte Wood is criminally unknown, and her upcoming novel is an Atwoodian nightmare that succeeds in commenting on our society without being didactic. If you’re looking to discover a new Australian writer, Wood is one of our finest.

PAULINE (CHILDRENS AND YOUNG ADULT SPECIALIST) RECOMMENDS: YA Readers should be familiar with Wilkinson, who here manages to deliver eco-friendly themes under the guise of a clever romantic comedy. It’s quirky without being cloying, and a whole lot of fun despite its serious message.

JEN (SCHOOLS LIAISON) RECOMMENDS: If you want another shot at an idyllic childhood – running wild collecting bugs on the hills, by the sea, on a Greek island – then this quite mad botanical, zoological and anthropological lark is your chance.